Social media platforms have been part of the information ecosystem for several years now. A large percentage of Canadians, including children and teenagers, use these platforms and share willingly their personal information online.

This report tackles an important issue: how can we exercise better oversight of social media platforms to ensure that the information Canadians provide to these platforms is protected and used appropriately, as well as ensure online safety for everyone?

The report provides an overview of social media platform practices, exploring such aspects as their business models and the way they collect, use and share personal information, especially when it comes to minors. It highlights the contrast between how academic, experts and social media platform representatives describe and evaluate these practices. The report also discusses what these platforms do to protect the data they collect, respond to external threats and counter attempts at foreign interference.

There is also a particular focus on TikTok, the social media platform explicitly mentioned in the motion that led to the Committee’s study. For example, the Committee was interested in the ban on the use of this app on Government of Canada devices.

Lastly, the report outlines the measures, legislative and other, proposed by the witnesses to ensure better oversight of social media platforms. It also discusses education and awareness, two aspects seen by several witnesses as crucial in the fight against bad actors using social media platforms for nefarious purposes.

In light of the evidence heard, the brief it received and additional documentation provided by certain witnesses, the Committee makes 8 recommendations.